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© St. Petersburg Times, published March 5, 2002
Several days ago I had a charter that illustrates the need to be flexible this time of year.
My client was in the area for only a few days and we had to fish on a cold, blustery day. After several fast drifts, too fast even with sea anchors out, I knew we had to find protected water. Since the wind was from the northwest, I chose a shallow oyster bar on the south side of a small point. After stopping the motor we quietly drifted several hundred feet to within casting distance. The mullet were numerous with large trout and reds mixed in. After only a short wait our pinfish began to disappear in huge boils.
The next hour and a half was a dream. Three reds larger than 24 inches and 12 trout between 22 and 26 inches were brought to the boat and released. Jacks and lady fish also joined the party for variety.
In the past couple of weeks, numerous large trout and reds have shown up in locations that had been vacant this winter. Try protected water very close to shore from the Honeymoon Causeway to several miles north. After locating fish with artificials I have been switching to pinfish for continuing action.
-- Capt. Wendell Akins charters the Drifter out of Crystal Beach (Palm Harbor). Call (727) 785-3018, or e-mail at drifterfishing@aol.com.